by HELEN HARDT
“I did. And I stayed around until I was sure you could handle everything.”
“Why not just walk away, then? Why orchestrate your own death? Or fake death? Or whatever the fuck it is you did?”
“Because, Brad, something’s going on. I haven’t been able to put my finger on it quite yet, but I know I’ll be better able to figure it out without anyone watching me.”
I gestured to the tarp-covered body in the corner. “Please tell me you had nothing to do with this.”
“I did not, of course. I’m not a killer, and even if I were, I certainly wouldn’t harm anyone who’s important to you or your wife.”
“So it is Patty, then.”
“It is. I’m sorry, son.”
“Damn. Why is she here? On our property?”
“My people recovered the body and brought her here at my instruction.”
“Wait… Your people?”
“A select few who are in on my little secret.”
“Who did this? Who’s behind this?”
“I don’t know yet.”
“Is it related to Murphy’s murder?”
“I believe so.”
“Why? Why would anyone want to hurt two innocent people?”
“Because they’re important to you, Brad.”
“Me? Who— Oh, fuck.”
“I can’t be sure it’s her. She’s under constant supervision, and she’s heavily medicated.”
“Who else, then?”
“That’s what I’m trying to figure out. Whoever it is moves like a panther. Untraceable. Which is why I’m better off flying under the radar. I’m able to do that if everyone thinks I’m dead.”
“You really think I can keep this from Mom?”
“I’d think you’d be happy to.”
I sighed. He was right. My mother was happy now. She had a grandson to dote on, a new daughter-in-law, and her tyrant of a husband was finally gone.
“How do I get in touch with you?”
“You don’t. I’ll find you when I need to.”
“And…now?”
“It was time for you to know. Go home. Tend to your wife and son. Take care of your mother. Leave this to me.”
It was tempting. Really tempting. But—
“No way. I’m all-in now. Murph and Patty were my friends. I’ve already decided…”
“Decided what?”
“I can’t tell Daphne about this. I’m going to figure out a way to make it look like Patty left the country.”
“You think you can pull that off?”
“Didn’t you say it yourself? Money can buy just about anything?”
“I want better for you,” he said.
“Right. If you wanted better for me, you wouldn’t have pointed a gun at Dr. Pelletier’s head while I was standing right there.”
“I was making a point.”
“Yeah. The point that money can buy anything.”
“You missed that point, son. Money can buy just about anything. When money can’t get you what you want, a threat against someone’s life can. Life trumps money any day. It took me a while to learn that lesson.”
“You say you wanted better for me. I call bullshit.”
“I did, Brad. I wanted a lot better for you. Unfortunately, I may not get my wish.”
“I want better for my son.”
“I know you do. I hope you get it.”
“I will. I fucking will. But for him to thrive, he needs his mother whole. This will destroy her.”
“She’s stronger than you think.”
“She spent a year at a mental hospital, Dad.”
“I know that. Doesn’t mean she’s weak.”
“Her father thinks she is.”
“Does her father know her better than you do?”
“Hell, yeah, he does. She and I haven’t even known each other for a year. It’s insane!”
“Jonathan Wade isn’t who you think he is, son. Be careful.”
“Jonathan Wade loves his wife and his dau— Wait. What are you saying? Who paid for Daphne’s treatment? Do you know?”
“I don’t. But I’m trying to find out.”
Chapter Fifty-Four
Daphne
Two Months Later…
Ennis had gone back to London after Patty left him, and so far, Brad hadn’t been able to locate Sage for me.
I was alone.
Alone with no friends.
But I did have my adorable baby. Jonah was nearly three months old now, and he was a beautiful chubby little boy. Mazie had shown me some photos of Brad as a baby, and Joe was a dead ringer for his dad. His smiles warmed my heart. I was still nursing him, and soon I’d add some solid food to his diet. No more threats had been made against him, and although Cliff still hovered over us, I was beginning to feel normal again. Well, sort of. Dr. Pelletier and I were still working together. It was a slow process, but I felt better.
My mother was back in Denver with my dad, so Mazie was my sole help with the baby, while Belinda took care of the household.
Then there was Brad…
He was gone most of the time.
But tonight he was coming home from a three-week business trip, and I had plans.
My doctor had given me the green light to resume sexual relations.
It had been so long. Because my pregnancy had been problematic, we hadn’t made love at all during the last trimester.
Five months since I’d been intimate with my husband.
I’d lost all my pregnancy pounds—thank you, nursing—and I was ready for an evening of passion.
Joe was in Mazie’s care for the evening. I sat in the bedroom clad in a lacy pink negligee, waiting for my handsome husband.
I closed my eyes, slipping into dreamland.
“Baby.”
I jerked awake.
Brad hovered over me, his jaw unshaven, his eyes tired and sunken.
“I’m home, baby.”
I cupped his cheek, letting his stubble scratch my fingertips. “Welcome, home.”
He pressed his lips to mine. “I’ve missed you so much. You look beautiful.”
“I…fell asleep.”
“I know. The plane was late. I’m sorry, baby. I’m beat.”
“But—”
“In the morning. I promise.”
I sighed and sat up. “I’ll go check on the baby. He’s spending the night in the nursery with Cliff.”
“You had this all planned,” he said. A statement.
“I did. It’s okay.”
But it wasn’t okay.
It wasn’t okay at all.
Five a.m. came quickly. Joe was on a strict schedule. He slept through the night now, if you called eleven to five sleeping through the night.
I sat with him in the rocker in the nursery, feeding him. He was so big now, so different from that little bundle I nursed those first few days.
He was beautiful. I dreamed of having more babies just like him once he was older. Of course, to have babies, my husband had to actually be around to make love to me.
Last night still disappointed me. Brad couldn’t help it if his plane was delayed, but I was upset anyway.
I jolted slightly when the door to the nursery opened and a sliver of light came in.
“Hey,” Brad said.
“Morning.”
“How’s he doing?”
“He’s great. Hungry.”
Baby Joe tugged on my nipple urgently.
“I’m a little jealous,” he said.
“Don’t be.”
“I’m sorry about last night, Daphne.”
“Don’t be,” I echoed.
“I was beat. I’m still beat, but it’s five. Rise and shine and all that.”
I nodded.
“How long until he’s done?”
“Until he falls asleep.” I looked down. Joe’s eyes were closed. “Sometimes I just sit in here after he falls asleep, holding him close like this. It’s calming. Settling.”
&nbs
p; Brad sighed. “I haven’t given you much calming lately.”
“No.”
Did he expect me to deny it?
“I love you, baby.”
“I love you too.”
“Come to bed with me.”
“The baby…”
He lifted a sleeping Joe from my arms and planted him in his crib. Then he took my hand and helped me out of the rocker. “Come on. Please.”
I followed, smiling.
I’d do anything for my husband, forgive him anything.
Anything.
“We’re going to make up for lost time,” Brad said as he laid me gently on our bed. “I’m going to touch, kiss, and lick every inch of your beautiful body, wife.”
My breasts tingled and my nipples hardened. All over, my skin erupted in icy prickles as warmth coursed between my legs.
Only months had passed, but I felt like a virgin yearning for the first touch from the man I adored.
“God, please,” I whispered.
“Anything you want, baby. Whatever you want. I want what you want.”
“Just kiss me.”
His lips came down on mine.
I opened for him, letting the velvet of his tongue twirl against my own. It started as a gentle kiss, an exploring kiss, but soon it was a mass of lips, teeth, and gums.
It was a ferocious kiss, a kiss too long denied.
I poured all my love for Brad into that kiss, all my longing, all my desire.
All my complete devotion to him and our family.
He trailed his hand under my lacy nightie, grabbing one breast. It tingled as a drop of milk leaked out.
Wait.
I squirmed.
This was wrong.
Those breasts weren’t Brad’s anymore. They were—
He pinched a nipple, and I bucked beneath him.
Still his.
They had a dual purpose now.
He broke the kiss and trailed his lips over my jawline and neck. “So beautiful,” he groaned. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“I’ve missed you too,” I whispered.
“I want to make this good for you,” he said, “but I can’t wait, baby. I just can’t.”
He turned over quickly, releasing me, and disrobed in what seemed like two seconds.
Then he was inside me, thrusting, thrusting, thrusting…
The completeness, the utter wonder.
I’d nearly forgotten.
Then—
“God!” He plunged in deeply, releasing.
And it was over.
What I’d anticipated for so long was simply over.
Turned out I didn’t have to worry about whether my breasts belonged to Brad or the baby. After a single grope, he’d gotten on with his fucking.
For that was what it had been.
A fucking.
This hadn’t been lovemaking.
It had been a fuck, pure and simple.
“Brad…”
“Hmm?” He rolled off me and covered his eyes with his arm.
I need more. The words hovered on the tip of my tongue.
I’ve missed you. I’ve missed us.
Finally, I spoke.
“Nothing.”
Chapter Fifty-Five
Brad
My beautiful wife deserved better than a wham, bam, thank you, ma’am.
Once I began, though, I couldn’t stop myself. A pure physical reaction had taken over when my mind had raced toward the information I’d uncovered during my last trip.
Anything to chase away the thoughts. I’d had to get inside her, fuck her. Use her.
I wasn’t proud of myself at the moment. Indeed, I hadn’t been proud of myself since I’d found out my father was alive over two months ago and had been keeping his secret.
I had no choice, though.
For Daphne. For my child. For my mother.
Everything I did was for them.
The bed rustled as Daphne got up. “I’m going to shower. Then see to the baby.”
Daphne in the shower, her lush body wet as trickles of water dribbled over her.
The sight in my mind’s eye made my cock twitch again. I could go with her, fuck her again against the shower wall while the warmth of the pelting water rained down on us. She would let me.
No.
She deserved better. I’d let her shower in peace, and tonight, I’d arrange for us to have a romantic dinner alone. We’d go out. Or I could send my mother out. Either way, I’d make it happen.
I rose and dressed quickly. Time to get to the office.
“What did you find out?” I said into the phone.
“Did you do what I asked?” my father said. “Make sure there’s no bug on your office line?”
“I did.”
“Good work.” He cleared his throat. “She’s getting out.”
“Fuck.”
“They can’t keep her there any longer. She’s been a model patient.”
“She’s conning them.”
“Maybe so.”
“What about Pelletier?”
“That’s part of the issue. He thinks I’m dead, so he feels the threat is gone.”
Apparently he hadn’t taken my guns comment seriously. Who could blame him? I wasn’t George Steel, and I’d told him his life wouldn’t be in danger. Besides, Dr. Pelletier was doing wonders for Daphne. I needed him.
I’d known this day would come. I’d been hoping Wendy might do something horrible to prolong her commitment, but I hadn’t held my breath. She was too smart for that.
“I can’t threaten Pelletier,” I said.
“Why not?”
“Because he’s treating Daphne. She needs him, and I need her whole.”
“You have to let her be, son,” he said. “You can’t hide everything from her. If you never give her a chance to be strong, she won’t be.”
“Daphne’s my responsibility. I’ll handle her situation the way I see fit. My child needs his mother.”
“Your child needs a mother who has a grip on reality. How can she have a grip on reality if you’re constantly hiding it from her?”
“Enough!” I slammed my fist on my desk. “I made a vow to protect my wife, and I will do it. I know her better than you or anyone else does.”
“Fine. I’ll let it drop. There are more important matters. At least there haven’t been any more threats against your son.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. “I know. Thank God. I’m still not convinced Wendy hasn’t been a part of this the whole time.”
“I’m not convinced either,” he said, “though I can’t find any evidence that she has.”
“If anyone can cover her tracks, it’s Wendy Madigan.”
“She’s been locked up, son.”
“I know. And now she’s getting out. Which means things will get worse.”
“Maybe not. Maybe she actually healed at the hospital.”
“Please.” I scoffed.
“Then find another doctor to replace Pelletier,” he said. “Make him an offer he can’t refuse so he’ll keep Wendy hospitalized.”
“Dad, does it have to be like this?”
“You have another choice.”
“What’s that?”
“Let Wendy be released. See what she does. Maybe she’ll finish school. Get a job. Maybe she’ll leave you behind.”
“If she’s not behind all this shit—and I still think she’s got her hands dirty—then who is?”
“I’ve been working on that. She may well be involved. I just don’t know yet.”
“You’ve been working on it for a year. If we haven’t figured it out by now, how will we ever?”
“We will. I’ll leave no stone unturned. How are things with the ranch?”
“Profits are great. My new financial guy has us invested in some ground-floor deals. We’re going to make a killing.”
“I knew you’d be the one to take this business to the next level.”
“Yeah, we’ll be
richer than God.” I rolled my eyes. “I’d trade it all for the safety of my wife and child.”
“Then you know what you have to do.”
I exhaled slowly. “Yes. I know.”
“I’m sorry, son.”
“I’m sorry too. This is all on me. Me and those damned Future Lawmakers. Fuck. Why didn’t you stop me?”
“Because a man has to learn from his own mistakes.”
“I was a kid.”
“You were eighteen by the time you began giving them money, Brad. That’s a man.”
“In my defense, I got paid back ten times over.”
“You did, and I’m glad you got out when you did.”
“I had to. They were getting into drugs.”
“They were. They are.”
“Tom and Larry are both going to be lawyers. I don’t get it.”
He laughed. “Lawyers are notoriously unscrupulous.”
“Not all of them.”
“I suppose you can find a couple good apples in the bushel. I tried.”
“Really? You tried?”
He laughed again. “Not really. I needed attorneys who were willing to leave their scruples on the doorstep.”
I nodded, knowing he couldn’t see me. I had nothing else to say.
Except for one thing.
“Thank you, Dad.”
“For what?”
“For working so hard all those years. And for doing what you’re doing now, trying to find out who’s behind all of this horror.”
“You don’t need to thank me.”
Again, I said nothing.
“I’ve got to go, son. I’ll talk to you next week. Same time. Be sure to pick up.”
“Can’t you give me any way to contact you?”
“We’ve been through this. I have to keep moving. I’ll call you.”
“Fine.” I hung up the phone a little more harshly than I meant to.
Chapter Fifty-Six
Daphne
He was gone again.
Only out on the ranch, this time, checking on things. He was the owner, after all. He’d be back for our romantic dinner.
He’d promised.
I had no reason to believe he would renege.
I was making my way to the nursery to check on Joe when the doorbell rang. Mazie was in the greenhouse.
